You probably don't think "Mexican food" when you think of beach cuisine...but why not? Everybody loves a good Taco Tuesday or margarita night! When it comes to great food, Virginia Beach has options to suit every palate and tasty Mexican fare is no exception. If you're looking for some places to choose from, here's a list with some delicious options.
Side Street Cantina
"Must try" menu item: Mixed Peruvian Style Ceviche
If you like seafood, this is the menu item for you. Straight from their menu description: Fresh fish, shrimp, calamari, and sashimi style fresh filets of fresh seafood marinated in a perfectly balanced "Leche de Tigre" with a side of sweet potato medallions. Is your mouth watering yet?
Gringo's Taqueria
This Baja style is the ultimate combination of freshness and flavor; you'll be able to tell after the first bite of homemade habanero cream sauce. It's a given that the food is amazing, but one thing that sets this restaurant apart is their awesome, friendly staff, top-notch customer service, and friendly atmosphere.
There's a reason this taqueria has been voted "Best Fish Tacos" every year since 2013! Once you try them, you'll be hooked too, and that's why it's our "Must try" menu item! The price is phenomenal too at just $5.50.
Los Cuates Taqueria
If you're looking for authentic style Mexican cuisine, this is the place to go! It may not look like much from the outside with its strip mall location, but as the old saying goes, you should never judge a book by its cover.
The menu includes tortas, burritos, quesadillas, elote (street corn), flautas, and of course, tacos. Everything is made from scratch restaurant is a hit with locals and visitors alike. It's a little bit of a longer drive from your Sandbridge vacation rental than some of the other options on this list, but it's worth the drive.
"Must try" menu item: Guacamole
Usually the guacamole is more of an afterthought or just something to eat your chips with, but that isn't the case at Los Cuates! The guacamole is chock-full of jalapenos, tomatoes, and cilantro and will add the perfect finishing touch to just about anything else on the menu.
Guads Mexican Restaurant
With two Virginia Beach locations (as well as in Portsmouth and Norfolk), Guads has made a name for themselves in the food game. The 21st street location is seasonal so make sure you call in to make sure they're open during your stay. The specialty options at Guads are where you'll find something to make everyone's mouths water.
The fun atmosphere includes indoor and outdoor seating, an impressive tequila selection, large margaritas, bar and tv's make this the perfect dining experience to enjoy during your vacation and then go right across the street to enjoy the day on the beach!
"Must try" menu item: Vallarta Burrito
The seafood lover in me is always drawn to menu items likethis burrito. This 10" tortilla is filled with shrimp, crab meat, lettuce, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, rice, and is topped with chipotle and a delectable seafood sauce.
Las Palmas
This restaurant has chefs who really love what they do, and it shows with their creative dishes and beautifully plated meals. Along with their food, every day from 2pm - 8pm is happy hour. If you can think it, they can make it! A fan favorite is the Tropicolada, a tantalizing combination of piña colada, banana, mango, and Calico Jack coconut rum; you've got to try it! They don't stop there though. All my fellow meat lovers should try the 12 oz. steak Vallarta rib-eye topped with shrimp and nacho cheese and served with guacamole salad, tortillas, rice, and beans. The extensive menu has everything from tacos, steak, fajitas, arroz con pollo, chorizo, chalupas, nachos, vegetarian options, and more. Trust me, yourtaste buds will thank you no matter what you order.
"Must try" menu item: Fajitas Tropicales
With such a large and varied menu, it's hard to narrow it down to just one thing. This is a unique dish that's not only delicious, but beautifully served. It comes served in a half pineapple full of grilled shrimp, scallops and chicken with bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and mushrooms. A little bit sweet and a little bit savory make this dish the perfect combination.
